The ecological crisis and safeguarding living conditions: ethical demands and premises for a new humanism

Abstract

The interdependence and fundamental equality of all people in terms of dignity and rights leads us to postulate more humane and just living conditions, as well as to reflect on what haunts it, such as the prevailing liberalist and utilitarian tendencies and ecological imbalances. There has been greater sensitivity towards the environment and ethical proposals have been adopted to deal with this emergency, but the trend has not yet been reversed or changed. Nature continues to be treated as a res nullius and the effects of this trend are increasingly jeopardising the environment. It is therefore urgent to reflect on the crisis threatening the planet and re-establish the conditions for the survival of our "common home". Such a proposed solution may be possible with an ethical stance, i.e. by realising that every living being needs the vital conditions of a healthy environment. Ethical reflection as a proposed solution to the ecological crisis is justified by the fact that the context of interdependence between organisms and the habitat in which they find themselves, imposes rules that create a sense of belonging from which obligations and duties derive, and creates the awareness that what contributes to the preservation, integrity, stability, beauty and balance of the planet is just and good